One of my favorite places to fish this summer has been Rufus Woods Reservoir, and it’s one of my favorite places to fish in the winter, too. I have had good success fishing from the shore at Brandts Landing, and the north shore. Brandts Landing is a federal park about six miles above Chief Joseph Dam. There is a vault toilet here and several spots that have been cleared to give access to the water. Some of these have picnic tables or fire rings. I often contact Dave Marchaud, who is a fish checker with the Colville Tribe, about the fishing on Rufus Woods. He patrols the public accesses above Chief Joseph Dam to Brandt Landing and I always see him when I am fishing up there. He reported that smoke had been very thick in the area, and then he sent me a video. The video, shot from the window of his pickup, showed the damage done at Brandts Landing after a wildfire has passed through. I was very disappointed to see this popular public access damaged. It wasn’t completely destroyed, and I’m sure it will recover. I will check it out this winter.